WhatsMyName: A Definitive Guide

The WhatsMyName App and Web is a free, web-based OSINT username checker. Enter a handle, and it builds/publicly checks profile URLs across hundreds of sites—great for investigations, brand protection, and personal audits.

Quick launch: https://whatsmyname.app/

What Is WhatsMyName

WhatsMyName is a browser-based username enumeration tool. It quickly tells you where a handle (e.g., jane_doe) appears on social media, forums, developer platforms, marketplaces, and gaming sites. It’s designed for speed, simplicity, and accuracy—perfect for investigators, journalists, security teams, and brand managers mapping a public digital footprint.

Who this helps

• Investigators/OSINT: build lead lists fast
• Brands: spot impersonation and abuse
• Individuals: locate old accounts to secure or delete

How WhatsMyName Works

WhatsMyName uses a community-maintained list of URL patterns. It constructs likely profile links for your handle and checks whether those public pages exist—no logins or brute force.

Step-by-step

1. Enter username(s) — one or many (comma or line separated).
2. Apply filters — narrow by category (social, forums, dev, gaming) to focus results.
3. Review results — scan the icon/table view; open promising hits in new tabs.
4. Validate — confirm bio, avatar, linked sites, and posting history.
5. Document — copy/export URLs into your case log or spreadsheet.

Built-in accelerators

• Auto-prefilled Google/Document searches for your first username to speed manual checks.

Pro tips

• False positives happen: look for consistent visuals/links across platforms.
• Mind rate limits: don’t open dozens of tabs at once.
• OPSEC: consider a separate browser profile and/or a VPN; respect each site’s Terms.

WhatsMyName Alternatives

Different needs call for different tools:

• CLI Enumerators (automation & scale)
  Scriptable command-line tools for large batches and custom pipelines. Best when you need speed + repeatable automation.
• Domain-Specific Checkers (deep dives)
  Narrow but deep tools focused on a single ecosystem. Examples:
  • IDCrawl — broader people/profile aggregation beyond just usernames.
  • FaceCheck ID — reverse face search to validate identity using public images.
• Other UI Aggregators (quick visual review)
  Web apps with clickable results.
  • Pucki Instagram Viewer — explore public Instagram content without logging in.

Golden Rule of OSINT:

Use WhatsMyName (UI) for rapid manual checks, CLI for high-volume automation, and niche tools (IDCrawl, FaceCheck ID, Picuki) for maximum depth on a single problem.

Benefits of Using WhatsMyName

• Fast reconnaissance across hundreds of sites
• Broad coverage (social, forums, dev, marketplaces, gaming)
• Low friction: web app, no install, bulk inputs
• Safer methodology: public-only checks; you choose what to open
• Easy documentation: copy/export URLs straight to your log

Conclusion

The WhatsMyName app is a practical, lightweight starting point to discover where a username appears online. Use it to jump-start cases, protect brand handles, or clean up old accounts. Always verify each hit, follow platform Terms, and stay within the law. For automation or deep niche needs, add CLI tools, IDCrawl, FaceCheck ID, or Picuki Instagram Viewer to your toolkit.

FAQ

Is WhatsMyName free?

Yes. The web interface is free to use.

Does it find private or deleted accounts?

No. It surfaces public profile URLs; private or removed profiles typically won’t appear.

Is there an official Android or iOS app?

No native app. Use the mobile site and Add to Home Screen for an app-like shortcut.

Why do I see false positives?

Platforms may allow vanity or look-alike URLs. Always open the profile and confirm avatar, bio, links, and activity.

How many usernames can I check at once?

Multiple are allowed, but browser performance and site rate-limits apply. Start with 5–10 and scale.

What if it seems “not working”?

Hard refresh or use Incognito/Private mode, temporarily disable ad-blockers, try another browser/network, reduce batch size, or validate a site with site:example.com inurl:USERNAME.